U.S. tobacco production for the 2005 season has been forecast for 644.3 million pounds as of September 1, 2005, a 27 per cent decrease from 2004's 879.2 million pounds. After the passage of buyout legislation that terminated the tobacco program beginning with the 2005 crop, many growers have ceased tobacco farming or reduced acreage, waiting to gauge the market in the coming years. Acreage in 2005 is projected at 307,010 acres, 25 per cent less than the 2004 season. Cigarette leaf production is expected to account for 91 per cent of U.S. output in 2005 or 584.4 million pounds, compared with 816.8 million pounds during the 2004 season.
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